https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-fit-like-on-zara-clothes Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 21 Apr 2026 16:54:39 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-fit-like-on-zara-clothes#post-1708002 Thu, 04 Aug 2016 13:02:14 +0000 April 1708002@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I got over Zara when I found myself standing in line for a fitting room in the Soho store for over 90 minutes a couple of years ago. &nbsp;Only to find that everything I tried on was really really small. &nbsp;Like, made for third graders.</p> <p>Rather than queue up for another 90 minutes with different sizes, I grabbed things two sizes up, bought them and left, vowing to try on at home. &nbsp;</p> <p>I haven't been back since, though I did order (and keep) one of Angie's Sherlock Holmes capes with the faux fur collar: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/2016/01/05/a-retro-cape-for-the-new-year/">http://youlookfab.com/2016/01/.....-new-year/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;Probably too voluminous for someone short like me but that's one of those rules I ignore. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-fit-like-on-zara-clothes#post-1707958 Thu, 04 Aug 2016 11:44:17 +0000 Chris987 1707958@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Even more great information, thanks everyone! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-fit-like-on-zara-clothes#post-1707863 Thu, 04 Aug 2016 02:46:38 +0000 Bijou 1707863@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a pear shape and I find Zara great for tops that are fashionable and also knits for layering. As for sizing, I have bought (even in tops) sizing ranging from small to large. I do find their quality to be inconsistent and will only shop in store because I fear that I would be returning so much if I bought online. Zara "flagship stores" get the best stock. I was in Singapore and went to the Singapore store and found the quality to be superior to my local shop (and the items I purchased there never found their way to the local store). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-fit-like-on-zara-clothes#post-1707776 Wed, 03 Aug 2016 22:56:54 +0000 crazyone 1707776@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>surprisingly, I bought a pair of floral jeans/pants from Zara that fit me very well (I am pearish and carry most of my weight in my thighs). &nbsp;Barely any pants I have tried on in the past year have fit well (looking at you, Banana Republic and J. Crew!) but these Zara pants fit well. &nbsp;So I think it's worth to try it out. &nbsp;I am wearing these pants here:&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wearing-crazy-pants-today">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ants-today</a></p> <p>I used to love Zara but am kind of over it now, though they still have some good pieces. &nbsp;The quality is somewhat inconsistent and definitely bad on some pieces, and because you generally pay full price there, end up being more expensive than J Crew and Banana which run frequent promotions. &nbsp;Still have some good workhorse pieces from there, though (including the floral pants!)</p> <p>The other thing to take into account is that even more than Zara Woman, Zara TRF (their juniors' line, but they have some very cute stuff) runs extremely small. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-fit-like-on-zara-clothes#post-1707768 Wed, 03 Aug 2016 22:48:15 +0000 Suz 1707768@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think what <b>Gaylene</b> is saying is that a pretty pear might have an easier time with Zara tops, shoes, bags, and accessories than pants! :)&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Manny, </b>I think you're probably right that it's a difference between curvy and not curvy body -- the tees and tops have never been short on me except for the deliberately cropped ones -- but I'm basically flat chested so they have nowhere to "catch up." &nbsp;(It's the same reason I look horrid in a low neckline or a wrap dress...).&nbsp;</p> <p>That's so interesting that your sister likes the bottoms more than you do. Do you think she prefers a different fit to what you like?&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Angie</b>, I really like the distinction you made between their tailored pieces, their baggier items and their truly oversized pieces. I guess I mostly have bought tailored with some baggier and the truly oversized are just, well, impossibly big for me.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Diana, </b>that is an excellent point about the difference between their numbered sizes and their S/M/L range. That makes sense to me. It's consistent with their own size chart but their size chart is not consistent with most American makers' size charts. That's sort of what I was saying about European/ Canadian sizes. I think the measurements they work with are more in line with EU makers.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-fit-like-on-zara-clothes#post-1707685 Wed, 03 Aug 2016 18:42:35 +0000 Gaylene 1707685@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think Suz description of Zara sizing is spot on. Zara's fit models are a straightish hourglass/rectangle with slim hips and thighs, small busts, and narrow shoulders. Zara's oversized styles are designed to drape and fold, while fitted items are tailored to skim over slim hips and small busts. </p> <p>My broad shoulders and 36 C bust can't fit into a tailored Zara jacket, even if the fabric has stretch. On the other hand, my lack of hips, thighs, and waist make a pair of Zara pants a slam dunk. Figuring out how my shape is similar--or dissimilar--to Zara's fit model has made it easier for me to calculate what size is likely to work given the design of a particular item </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-fit-like-on-zara-clothes#post-1707673 Wed, 03 Aug 2016 17:54:24 +0000 Diana 1707673@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've found Zara to in general run true to size for the NUMBERED sizes, but small for the S/M/L sizes.&nbsp; If you look at the size chart Carla posted above, you'll see that L in Zara is basically a size 8-10 (which would be medium at most other stores) so I guess it's true to their size chart.&nbsp; Unfortunately they do seem to use the S/M/L sizing for most of their items which I think is where the perception that they run small comes from.&nbsp; </p> <p>I'm not crazy about the quality personally. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-fit-like-on-zara-clothes#post-1707672 Wed, 03 Aug 2016 17:46:18 +0000 Style Fan 1707672@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Inconsistent would be the way I would describe Zara.&nbsp; Like Suz I find pieces at Zara that are current and fun.&nbsp; I might be a small in their tops (but I am almost always a small in tops) and anything in the bottoms.&nbsp; It could be a medium, large, small, flip a coin.&nbsp; I don't buy bottoms at Zara.&nbsp; I am too curvy.&nbsp; I do like their tops though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-fit-like-on-zara-clothes#post-1707670 Wed, 03 Aug 2016 17:30:20 +0000 Maneera 1707670@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, Suz. As Angie says, the oversized fits are actually veryyyy roomy. But they aren't longer. I currently have 2 tshirts from Zara that are a size M.....and I'm usually an XL at zara for tops. These tops, while boxy, are not proportionately longer. To be honest, Suz....my large bust could also be the reason. The tshirt needs to cover a lot more surface area So perhaps theyre just short on me!!! </p> <p>In fact, Janet's comment reminds me that my sister loves zara jeans and owns several pairs. And she's shorter than me but just as curvy (on the bottom). Somehow, the jeans fit her well. And she buys ALOT of tops from Zara too. </p> <p>For me, Zara is first choice for winter wear. I rarely, if ever, buy summer clothes from Zara. But I really do like their winter collection (leggings, sweaters, jackets, coats, &amp; boots) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-fit-like-on-zara-clothes#post-1707652 Wed, 03 Aug 2016 16:57:36 +0000 Jules 1707652@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Whether a particular piece is "True to size" or "runs small", what I've found is that their size runs vary by garment but top out at a relatively small size. And that largest size can be very scarce in store or perpetually greyed out online. So when Angie says her US10 client had never been able to buy stuff there before, that matches my experiences - even when I was a 10-12, I really couldn't shop much there and I'm not even looking at my current 14. I also remember certain (more boxy or "shapeless') tops only coming in 2 sizes, for example. Forget petites or different cuts for bottoms. Basically, they are operating in a "narrow" window. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-fit-like-on-zara-clothes#post-1707634 Wed, 03 Aug 2016 16:22:38 +0000 rachylou 1707634@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gee, like Janet, small and short is how I've found Zara pants... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-fit-like-on-zara-clothes#post-1707596 Wed, 03 Aug 2016 14:24:41 +0000 Angie 1707596@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There you go, Suz. That's my point.&nbsp;</p> <p>VERY generally over the last few years, Zara fits have been like this:</p> <ul> <li>TAILORED and form fitting pieces usually don't fit sizes over a US 8.&nbsp;</li> <li>Baggier pieces - think bomber jackets - usually go up to a size US10 - possibly a US12 when they do an XL.&nbsp;</li> <li>Oversized items can fit up to a US14/16. My size US10 client was in a size Small poncho coat last year, and she has never been able to buy stuff at Zara before.</li> </ul> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-fit-like-on-zara-clothes#post-1707594 Wed, 03 Aug 2016 14:21:46 +0000 Chris987 1707594@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks all for the great info <b>Maneera, Suz, Runcarla, Janet, </b>and<b> Angie</b>. &nbsp;I want to spend a little time trying on stuff in a Zara one of these days and this info is really helpful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-fit-like-on-zara-clothes#post-1707580 Wed, 03 Aug 2016 14:06:22 +0000 Suz 1707580@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Angie,</b> that's so true -- which is why I am sending the oversized sweatshirt that I ordered back where it came from. It's just <b>too </b>oversized.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-fit-like-on-zara-clothes#post-1707577 Wed, 03 Aug 2016 14:04:23 +0000 Angie 1707577@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In one word: Inconsistent.</p> <p>Generally, Zara items run small - especially in items like fitted jeans, trousers and jackets. But with the onset of the oversized trend, some of their assortment has run<i> a lot bigger.</i>&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-fit-like-on-zara-clothes#post-1707576 Wed, 03 Aug 2016 14:04:01 +0000 Suz 1707576@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Janet,</b> it's a body type thing. <b>Carla </b>is a "straight" hourglass/ rectangle like me with slim hips and very long slim legs (unlike me, sigh). So bottoms will fit <b>her</b> truer to size. They won't fit a curvier body in the same way, since the fit model is probably a slim hourglass/ rectangle.&nbsp;</p> <p>You can hear it in the fact that Maneera takes an XL in some items there. She is small, short, but <b>curvy.</b>&nbsp; She needs to size up for her curves in this line. When I size up in this brand, like Carla, it is primarily for my shoulder line. Unlike Carla I would probably size up in some bottoms because my bottom part is curvier.&nbsp;</p> <p>I wonder if it is also a US/ Canada thing. Canadian clothes made in Canada tended in the past to be cut more along EU lines. Now with the big box stores (e.g. Banana, Gap) we have become more used to US style sizing, but years ago when those stores first opened I remember being perplexed at the sizing.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-fit-like-on-zara-clothes#post-1707540 Wed, 03 Aug 2016 13:12:01 +0000 Janet 1707540@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>See, it's funny, I've always thought their bottoms ran small, but in all honesty, I've stopped even trying on their bottoms because they usually seem cut for someone without hips or thighs. Maybe they've changed their cuts a little?? Tops are generally TTS in my experience. I might size up in tops if they're more tailored/fitted, but many of them are roomy by design these days. I have that jacket in Carla's #3 photo and I think I got it in a M. I just got another jacket there in a M as well.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-fit-like-on-zara-clothes#post-1707531 Wed, 03 Aug 2016 12:43:44 +0000 Carla 1707531@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>True to size in my opinion. With bottoms I usually bring an 8 and a 10 into the change room, and end up with the 8. My hips are 38-39 and my waist is 30-31. Medium tops work best (bust 36-37, but broad shoulders).<br /> I visit the stores in the Toronto Eaton Centre and on Queen St.</p> <p>Quality is generally fast fashion and fabrications questionable, but every now and then there is an absolutely amazing piece! They are best for experimenting with a trend without breaking the bank.</p> <p>I own the yellow chino style ankle pants and the embroidered bomber below. I'm hemming and hawing about the pale blue coat. It is synthetic and I'm afraid it is the kind of fabric that will get pills from by purse or gym bag strap. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-fit-like-on-zara-clothes#post-1707522 Wed, 03 Aug 2016 12:18:19 +0000 Suz 1707522@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Manny, that is so interesting what you say about the tees -- I hadn't noticed that! The one I got yesterday is not at all short. Hmm.&nbsp;</p> <p>The bags can be great, too. I have a couple as well.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-fit-like-on-zara-clothes#post-1707520 Wed, 03 Aug 2016 12:15:35 +0000 Suz 1707520@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Zara fit is on the small side. I size up in their clothes. They are cut more like European clothes, narrower or slimmer overall. In tops, I wear an xs or am sized out of some American brands, but I typically wear a small in Zara. I don't have many bottoms from Zara but those I own are also size S. I would size up in their denim, too, although I haven't really tried it on and don't own any.&nbsp;</p> <p>Shoe sizing is on European lines -- so if you usually fit EU sizes you will fit their footwear, but it varies a great deal in quality, with some pairs being surprisingly good, and others extremely uncomfortable. </p> <p>Quality can be iffy. But occasionally you'll find an item there that wears like iron.&nbsp;</p> <p>I shop a lot at Zara because the clothes tend to fit me off the rack, the styles are current and fun, and I get free delivery and returns, unlike most other places in Canada. I use Zara primarily for <b>style refreshers</b> -- items that make my core wardrobe of classic higher quality items feel current. I like the store for tops, for&nbsp;<b>some</b> footwear (must choose judiciously), the occasional bottom, and jackets.&nbsp;</p> <p>I send back far more than I order because I don't like the quality or feel of the fabric once I receive the item, or because the fit is off. I far prefer their online shopping experience to the in store one -- the stores can be packed, lineups at change rooms, indifferent staff, messy. The website is clear, easy to use, simple and deliveries are fast and returns a breeze. I've only had one problem with them, once, when a delivery went missing and they dealt with it poorly; I think it may have been down to the individual staff member. Eventually I got it sorted.&nbsp;</p> <p>If you want to try an item, I would recommend starting with size M and also paying close attention to the cut of the piece; is it one that is likely to flatter you? Tees and knits are easier and more forgiving than tailored pieces in terms of fit.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-fit-like-on-zara-clothes#post-1707515 Wed, 03 Aug 2016 12:05:34 +0000 Maneera 1707515@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Zara sizes does run small for tops. Tshirts usually run large but are often short. </p> <p>The bottoms/pants run true to size, but I don't own many jeans from zara. I usually like to buy their ponte leggings (which i highly recommend) for winters to wear with tall boots. I also buy their skater skirts &amp; stretchy mini skirts. </p> <p>I buy a lot of winter wear from Zara. They only make till a size XL in jackets &amp; coats, and I am an XL (otherwise a UK size 14). </p> <p>I really like their shoes though. I have boots &amp; sandals from Zara that I absolutely love &amp; wear ALOT. Runs true to size. </p> <p>Also love their bags. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-the-fit-like-on-zara-clothes#post-1707510 Wed, 03 Aug 2016 11:55:23 +0000 Chris987 1707510@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz's thread&nbsp;about some recent Zara finds inspired a bunch of additional Zara finds by other people. </p> <p>Can you Zara fans describe what their fits are like? I have the impression the run slim like JCREW usually does, at least for tops. The don't seem to&nbsp;carry petites (right?) &nbsp;although they have lots of cropped styles in tops and bottoms. How do their pants fit? What about the shoes in terms of fit? </p> <p>I know every garment can be different of course </p> <p></p> <p>Thanks! </p>